Method and apparatus for automatic tracking and identification of device components

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of an apparatus and method to track and identify radioactive sources are described. In one embodiment, a device includes first housing for a radioactive source having a first electronic tag, a second housing for the radioactive source having a second electronic tag, and a guide tube that couples the first housing with the second housing. The guide tube includes a third electronic tag. The first, second, and third electronic tags communicate with each other to confirm automatically a delivery path for the radioactive source. In one embodiment, the electronic tags may be a radio frequency identification device (RFID).

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of tracking andidentifying device components, and more specifically, to the trackingand identifying of radioactive sources used with an afterloader.

BACKGROUND

Radiation is one method to treat cancer and other diseases of the body.Brachytherapy is a general term for the radiation treatment of cancer atclose distances inside the body. During brachytherapy, an applicatorenclosing a radioactive source or sources is positioned within a bodyregion targeted for treatment. The radioactive sources are typicallywires with an end portion that emits radiation, or alternatively capsuletype structures of radioactive materials. As used herein, the termradioactive source encompasses wires, capsules or other structures ofradioactive materials In one type of brachytherapy, radioactive sourcesare temporarily placed in target treatment regions in the patient. Toprevent human handling of the radioactive material and harmful exposureto radiation, a machine called an “afterloader” or “remote afterloader”may be used to load and unload the radioactive material into and fromguide tubes that extend toward the applicator positioned within apatient.

Remote afterloaders allow for the accurate advancement and retraction ofradioactive sources over a specified distance for a specified timeperiod. A remote afterloader generally includes multiple channels, mayhold more than one radioactive source, and uses controllers and drivemechanisms to advance and retract the radioactive source(s) throughmultiple ports attached to a rotating wheel that allows multiple guidetubes (previously placed into the patient) to be hooked up to theafterloader at the same time. The remote afterloader usually sends out asimulation member to check the patency of the guide tube withoutsubjecting the patient to undue radiation exposure, and then sends outthe radioactive source. After the treatment is performed through a firstguide tube, the afterloader retracts the source into the shielding safeinside the afterloader, a wheel turns and aligns the next slotcontaining a guide tube to the shielded safe exit port. The remoteafterloader then repeats its function sending and retracting thesimulation member and radioactive member through this second tube. Theprocedure is repeated until the treatment prescription is carried outthrough all the specified transport tubes. FIG. 1 shows a prior artafterloader with multiple guide tubes attached.

One problem with current afterloader systems is that in order to verifythat the correct applicator channel is correctly attached to the plannedtreatment port of the afterloader via a guide tube, the operator mustvisually inspect the attachment of the applicator to the guide tube, andthe attachment of the guide tube to the afterloader port. If multipleguide tubes are used for treatment, each attachment must be checked bythe operator. Because this involves a manual process, the possibility ofhuman error exists, which may result in the wrong treatment beingadministered to the patient. Another problem is that even though thecorrect applicator is attached to a guide tube, the operator may notnotice that the attachment is not secure, resulting in the unwantedexposure of the radioactive source to the patient or operator. Currentdevices include a mechanical gate (as illustrated in FIG. 2) to preventthe radioactive source from being ejected uncontrollably into thepatient, but a patient may still receive an unwanted whole body dose ofradiation if the gate blocks or traps the radioactive source duringretraction.

In a related problem, in order to exchange an old or used radioactivesource contained in the afterloader for a new radioactive source, anoperator has to attach one end of a guide tube to an empty chamber in asource container chamber, and then connect the other end of the guidetube to the afterloader, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The old radioactivesource then has to be downloaded into an empty chamber in the sourcecontainer chamber. Following the download, the radioactive source islocked into the chamber and the transfer guide tube is detached from thenow occupied chamber of the source container chamber, and thenreattached to the chamber containing the new radioactive source. The newsource is then uploaded into the afterloader. At this point the operatorhas to manually enter the radioactive source serial number andcalibration data into the afterloader computer system. Again, becausethis is a manual process, the uploading and downloading of radioactivesources, as well as the input of radioactive source data, is prone tohuman error. Problems related to the secure attachment of the guide tubeto the afterloader and source container chamber also exist, as describedabove with respect to the attachment of an applicator to the guide tube.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of an apparatus and method to track and identify radioactivesources are described. In one embodiment, the radioactive source may bedelivered from a first housing to a second housing through a guide ortransport tube, or conversely from second housing to first housing. Inone embodiment, the first housing may be an afterloader, a system forcontaining one or more radioactive sources for remote deployment underautomatic control. The second housing may be a radioactive sourceapplicator, which is an end portion that is inserted into the treatmentregion of a patient (e.g., for exposure to radiation with theradioactive source). In an alternative embodiment, the second housingmay be a radioactive source container for the uploading and/ordownloading of one or more radioactive sources to and from theafterloader. Because of the dangers associated with handling radioactivematerials, identifying and tracking the various device components usedfor the delivery of radioactive materials are important for the deviceoperator, as well as ensuring that the proper therapeutic treatment isadministered.

In one embodiment, identification and tracking of radioactive materials(e.g., a radioactive source) may be provided by one or more electronicidentification tags disposed on components of the device. For example, afirst electronic tag may be disposed on the first housing, a secondelectronic tag may be disposed on the second housing, and a thirdelectronic tag may be disposed on guide tube. The electronicidentification tags may communicate with each other wirelessly toprovide data relating to the connection of each component, as well asother types of audit data. In one embodiment, the electronicidentification tags may be radio frequency identification devices. Theradioactive source may be transported by being attached to a cable, wireor similar structure, or transported by pneumatic, hydraulic orelectromagnetic mechanisms. It will be understood that while aparticular method of transport may be described in conjunction with aparticular embodiment, other methods of transport, including theforegoing, may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and notlimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art afterloader.

FIG. 2 illustrates another prior art afterloader coupled to anapplicator.

FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art afterloader coupled to a source storagecontainer.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of medical device that may be usedtrack and identify the delivery of a radioactive source from one pointto another.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a radio frequency identificationdevice that may be used with the medical device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a medical device that may be usedto deliver a radioactive source from an afterloader to an applicatorthrough a guide tube.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary machine in the form of a computer systemthat is integrated within the afterloader of FIG. 6 for controlling thecommunication between the multiple RFID tags.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a configuration for anafterloader device to deliver a radioactive source from one housing areato another housing area.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of one method to track and identifyradioactive sources used with an afterloader.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of another method to track andidentify radioactive sources used with an afterloader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout some of these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

Embodiments of a medical device having identification and trackingabilities for device components are described. In one embodiment, adelivery path for a radioactive source from a first housing to a secondhousing may be identified and tracked. For example, in one embodiment ofthe present invention, a device for the delivery of a therapeuticradioactive material may include an afterloader, a guide tube, and anapplicator. Electronic identification tags may be disposed on each ofthe device components to provide information such as connection,tracking information, and other audit data which may be valuable whendealing with radioactive sources. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, a guide tube may be used to couple an afterloader with aradioactive source storage container. When a radioactive source iseither uploaded or downloaded from the storage container, electronictags disposed on the afterloader, guide tube, and storage container maycommunicate information such as radioactive source information, deliverypath, and secure connection data to the afterloader. In one embodiment,the electronic tags may be radio frequency identification device (RFID)tags that may be disposed on the device components or embedded withinthe components to provide wireless communication of information. The useof RFID tags eliminates the possibility of human error in handlingradioactive sources, as well as providing accurate, automatic trackingand identification of radioactive sources and delivery paths.

FIG. 4 illustrates a generic representation of one embodiment of amedical device 100 that may be used track and identify the delivery of aradioactive source (not shown) from one point to another. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the radioactive source may bedelivered from a first housing 105 to a second housing 110 through aguide or transport tube 120, or conversely from second housing 110 tofirst housing 105. In one embodiment, first housing 105 may be anafterloader, a system for containing one or more radioactive sources forremote deployment under automatic control. The second housing 110 may bea radioactive source applicator, which is an end portion that isinserted into the treatment region of a patient (e.g., for exposure toradiation with the radioactive source). In an alternative embodiment,second housing 110 may be a radioactive source container for theuploading and/or downloading of one or more radioactive sources to andfrom the afterloader. Because of the dangers associated with handlingradioactive sources, identifying and tracking the various devicecomponents used for the delivery of radioactive sources are importantfor the device operator, as well as ensuring that the proper therapeutictreatment is administered.

In one embodiment, identification and tracking of (e.g., a radioactivesource capsule or cable) may be provided by one or more electronicidentification tags disposed on components of medical device 100. Forexample, a first electronic tag 130 may be disposed on first housing105, a second electronic tag 132 may be disposed on second housing 110,and a third electronic tag 134 may be disposed on guide tube 120. Theelectronic identification tags may communicate with each otherwirelessly to provide data relating to the connection of each component,as well as other types of audit data. The electronic identification tagsprovide the advantage of automating communication between devicecomponents, thereby eliminating the need for manual input of datarelating to each device component and radioactive source.

In one embodiment, the electronic identification tags (e.g., tags 130,132, 134) may be a radio frequency identification device (RFID). FIG. 5illustrates one embodiment of a RFID tag 150 that may be used as anelectronic identification tag (e.g., tag 130) disposed on any one of thedevice components. In one embodiment, RFID tag 150 includes informationfor the identification and tracking of a particular component to whichthe tag is associated, and is also able to communicate information withother RFID tags disposed on other components (e.g., tags 132 and 134).RFID tag 150 may include a small IC microchip 140 coupled to an antenna142 (alternatively, the microchip and antenna together may also bereferred to as a RFID transponder or RFID tag). Antenna 142 enablesmicrochip 140 to transmit identification information or other data to aRFID reader (not shown) or another RFID tag. The reader converts theradio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital informationthat can then be passed on to application systems (e.g., an afterloadercontroller) for use in devising a therapeutic treatment procedure. Itmay be appreciated that the RFID tags do not necessarily have bedisposed on the particular areas of device 100 as illustrated, but maybe disposed on any portion of a particular device component, includingbeing embedded within a particular component so that the tags are notexposed.

In one embodiment, the RFID tags may be part of a larger RFID systemthat includes the RFID tags and an interrogator or reader coupled to anantenna. The reader sends out electromagnetic waves and each RFID tagantenna is tuned to receive these waves. In one embodiment, the RFIDtags may be passive devices which draw power from a field created by thereader and uses it to power the microchip's circuits. The chip thenmodulates the waves that the tag sends back to the reader and the readerconverts the new waves into digital data. As such, power to a microchipfor a RFID tag may be supplied when in the vicinity of a reader. In analternative embodiment, the RFID tags may be active devices. Active RFIDtags have a battery, which is used to run the microchip's circuitry andto broadcast a signal to a reader or another RFID tag. In yet anotherembodiment, RFID tags may be semi-passive RFID devices, which use abattery to run the chip's circuitry, but communicate by drawing powerfrom the reader. Microchips in RFID tags can be read-write or read-only.With read-write chips, information may be added, deleted, edited, orwritten over existing information when the tag is within range of areader, interrogator, or another RFID tag.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a medical device 200 that may beused to deliver a radioactive source from an afterloader to anapplicator through a guide tube, while providing tracking andidentification capabilities through the use of electronic tags. Device200 represents an afterloader system that includes afterloader 205coupled to applicator 210 with guide tube 220. For clarity ofexplanation in describing each device component, afterloader 205 andapplicator 210 are shown separated from guide tube 220. In one exampleof using device 200 for the delivery of a radioactive source fortherapeutic purposes, a treatment plan is devised that involvesdetermining a delivery path of the radioactive source (e.g., aradioactive source capsule) from Afterloader 205 through guide tube 220,and with the source capsule application through the applicator 210.

The determination of a delivery path may be necessary when using anafterloader 205 that includes multiple ports for the coupling ofmultiple guide tubes (e.g., guide tube 220) simultaneously. For example,afterloader 205 may include multiple radioactive source wires disposedin individual channels that extend toward a turret of ports (not shown).The radioactive source wires may be of different radiation levels toprovide a variety of dosage levels for therapeutic delivery. The turretrotates to align a particular channel for delivery of the desiredradioactive source capsule. Accordingly, a particular treatment plan mayinclude a delivery of a first radioactive source capsule through a firstchannel, a first guide tube, and a first applicator, followed by asecond delivery of a second radioactive source capsule through a secondchannel, a second guide tube, and a second applicator. In oneembodiment, afterloader 205 may be one of several afterloaders known inthe art, including but not limited to, high dose rate afterloaders(HDR), low dose rate afterloaders (LDR), pulse dose rate afterloaders(PDR), and low energy rate afterloaders (LER). In another embodiment,applicator 210 may include multiple channels for delivery differentradioactive sources, so that a new applicator does not need to becoupled when delivering a new radioactive source from afterloader 205.One type of afterloader is the VariSource High Dose Remote Afterloader,manufactured by Varian Medical Systems of Palo Alto, Calif.

In one embodiment for coupling guide tube 220 to afterloader 205 andapplicator 210, a first end 222 of guide tube 220 includes a firstinterface 226 for coupling to afterloader 205. A second end 224 of guidetube 220 includes a second interface 228 for coupling to a thirdinterface 212 of applicator 210. Any type of interfaces known in the artmay be used to secure the coupling of guide tube 220 to afterloader 205and applicator 210. A first RFID tag 230 is disposed on afterloader 205,a second RFID tag 232 is disposed on applicator 210, and a third RFIDtag 234 is disposed on guide tube 220. In one embodiment, each RFID tagmay be attached to an outer surface of each component of device 200(e.g., applicator 210). In an alternative embodiment, each RFID tag maybe embedded within a wall of the component. Each RFID tag may includevarious types of information for the identification and/or tracking of aparticular device component. For example, with respect to RFID tag 232associated with applicator 210, information such as a uniqueidentification tag number, date of manufacture, and lot number may bestored. RFID tag 232 may also identify applicator 210 as either a singleuse applicator, or a multiple use applicator for the delivery of aradioactive source to a treatment region of a patient.

In one embodiment, a controller 202 disposed on afterloader 205coordinates the communication between the various RFID tags disposedthroughout device 200. For example, information from RFID tag 232disposed on applicator 210 is relayed to RFID tag 230 disposed onafterloader 205 through RFID tag 234. Information relayed from RFID tag232 to RFID tag 230 may be used to ensure that the delivery path for theradioactive source is consistent with the planned treatment for apatient prior to starting the actual radiation exposure. For example,afterloader 205 may confirm whether applicator 210 is a single useapplicator or a multiple use applicator. If applicator 210 is a singleuse applicator, afterloader 205 may confirm that applicator 210 has notbeen previously used. If applicator 210 is a multiple use applicator,information related to the age of applicator 210, the number of usecycles may be relayed to RFID 230.

Another advantage provided by the use of the RFID tags is providing aconfirmation as to which particular applicator and/or guide tube iscoupled to afterloader 205, and in a related manner, confirm that theguide tube and applicator are properly attached to each other and toafterloader 205 as well. This communication is particularly useful ifapplicator 205 includes multiple channels or if multiple applicators areemployed, because any error associated with an incorrect connection toan applicator or guide tube is eliminated. Consequently, the delivery ofa radioactive source is prevented should an improper coupling exist.These and other related information are provided through thecommunication of the RFID tags allowing an operator of afterloader 205to make a determination as to whether to commence with a particulartherapeutic treatment. Any need for manually inspecting the applicatorsand guide tubes coupling is removed, avoiding the need to inspect thecoupling manually and the introduction of human error. In an alternativeembodiment, RFID tag 232 disposed on applicator 210 may communicatedirectly with RFID tag 320 without a relay through RFID tag 234 disposedon guide tube 220.

As discussed above, the RFID tags (e.g., RFID tag 232 disposed onapplicator 210) may either be read-only or read-write. For a read-writeRFID tag, additional data may be stored (i.e., “re-tagged”) in memoryrelated to use-history, number of cycles, and sterilization history. Forexample, for a reusable or a multi-use applicator, sterilization datesmay be stored on the RFID tag after the applicator undergoes asterilization procedure so that an operator may compare that date to thelast time the applicator was used with an afterloader. Inventory datamay also be stored on the RFID tag, for example, in tracking the historyof an applicator from production to disposal. Hospitals may be able touse this tracking data in the event that an applicator manufacturerissues a recall, applicators that are the subject to the recall may beidentified easily. Although device 200 has been described with respectto the storage and communication data from applicator 210, it may beappreciated that similar types of information may be stored on RFID tag320 and 322 for transmission with other RFID tags disposed device 200.

FIG. 7 illustrates a controller (e.g., controller 205) in the form of acomputer system 300 that may be integrated within afterloader 205 forcontrolling the communication between the multiple RFID tags disposed ondevice 200. Computer system 300 includes a bus or other communicationmeans 301 for communicating information, and a processing means such asprocessor 302 coupled with bus 301 for processing information. Computersystem 300 further includes a random access memory (RAM) or otherdynamic storage device 304 (referred to as main memory), coupled to bus301 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor302. Main memory 304 also may be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions byprocessor 302. Computer system 300 also includes a read only memory(ROM) and/or other static storage device 306 coupled to bus 301 forstoring static information and instructions for processor 302.

A data storage device 307 such as a magnetic disk or optical disc andits corresponding drive may also be coupled to computer system 300 forstoring information and instructions. The data storage device 307 may beused to store instructions for performing the steps discussed herein.Processor 302 may be configured to execute the instructions forperforming the steps discussed herein. Computer system 300 can also becoupled via bus 301 to a display device 321, such as a cathode ray tube(CRT) or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), for displaying information to anend user. For example, graphical and/or textual depictions/indicationsof design errors, and other data types and information may be presentedto the end user on the display device 321. Typically, an alphanumericinput device 322, including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupledto bus 301 for communicating information and/or command selections toprocessor 302. Another type of user input device is cursor control 323,such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicatingdirection information and command selections to processor 302 and forcontrolling cursor movement on display 321.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a configuration for afterloaderdevice 400 to deliver a radioactive source from one housing area toanother housing area. Remote afterloaders will, from time to time,require the uploading or downloading of radioactive source capsules froma storage container in order to replace used source capsules. To preventexposure to an operator, afterloader 405 is coupled to source containerchamber 410 with guide tube 420. Similar to the configuration describedabove with respect to device 200, a first end 422 of guide tube 420includes a first interface 426 for coupling to afterloader 405. A secondend 424 of guide tube 420 includes a second interface 428 for couplingto a third interface 412 of source container chamber 410. Any type ofinterfaces known in the art may be used to secure the coupling of guidetube 420 to afterloader 405 and source container chamber 410. In oneembodiment, afterloader 405 may be one of several afterloaders known inthe art, including but not limited to, HDR, LDR, PDR, and LER.

A first RFID tag 430 is disposed on afterloader 405, a second RFID tag432 is disposed on source container chamber 410, and a third RFID tag434 is disposed on guide tube 420. In one embodiment, each RFID tag maybe attached to an outer surface of each component of device 400 (e.g.,source container chamber 410). In an alternative embodiment, each RFIDtag may be embedded within a wall of the component. Each RFID tag mayinclude various types of information for the identification and/ortracking of a particular device component. For example, with respect toRFID tag 432 associated with source container chamber 410, informationsuch as a unique identification tag number associated with a particularradioactive source capsule, radioactive source type, and source activitymay be stored. Other tracking and identification advantageous aredescribed in greater detail below.

When a new radioactive source capsule is uploaded from source containerchamber 410 to afterloader 405, a signal or communication is sent fromRFID tag 432 disposed on source container chamber 410 to RFID tag 430disposed on afterloader 405. In one embodiment, the communication may berelayed through RFID tag 434 disposed on guide tube 420. The signalindicates to afterloader 405 that guide tube 420 has made a secureconnection to source container chamber 410, as well as a secureconnection of guide tube 420 to afterloader 405. In one embodiment, thisindication may be determined by the presence or absence of a signal fromRFID 432. The signal from RFID 432 may also include information such as,for example, serial number (e.g., of the new source capsule to beuploaded into afterloader 405), calibration data, date of manufacture,and lot number. It may be appreciated that other types of data may becommunicated to afterloader 405.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram 500 of one method to track andidentify radioactive sources used with an afterloader automatically. Anafterloader system may be used to delivery a radioactive source to atarget region within a patient. A treatment plan is devised to deliver aparticular radioactive source (e.g., a source capsule) from anafterloader to the patient. As such, a delivery path is determined thatincludes a channel from the afterloader (e.g., afterloader 205), guidetube (e.g., guide tube 220), and applicator (e.g., applicator 210),block 505. In one embodiment, the afterloader may include multipleradioactive sources disposed within individual channels that lead toports for coupling to guide tubes, as well as multiple guide tubescoupled to the ports. A first end of a guide tube is coupled to theafterloader and a second end of the guide tube is coupled to theapplicator, block 510. Alternatively, the afterloader may includemultiple ports (e.g., up to 50 ports) with a guide tube coupled to eachport. In one example of a prescribed treatment, a determination may bemade to deliver a radioactive source through port #2 of the afterloader,through guide tube #2, and through channel #2 of a multi-channelapplicator.

In order to send the radioactive source to the correct applicatorchannel to deliver the prescribed treatment, the correct applicator mustbe coupled to the correct guide tube, which must also be coupled to thecorrect port of the afterloader. A controller disposed on theafterloader identifies signals from electronic identification tagsdisposed on the afterloader, each guide tube, and each applicator todetermine the correct path to send the radioactive source in order todeliver the prescribed treatment, block 515. For example, if thecontroller recognizes that guide tube #5 is coupled to port #2 insteadof port #5, the controller may indicate to the operator that anincorrect coupling exists (that may result in the administration of animproper radioactive source). In one embodiment, once the afterloadercontroller has determined that guide tube #5 is coupled to port #2instead of port #5, it can automatically adjust its prescribed treatmentplan to take into account the misconnections, and instead send thecorrect treatment prescription for the applicator connected to guidetube 5 to port 2. In one embodiment, the electronic identification tagsmay be RFID tags (e.g., tags 230, 232). In addition to verifying thatthe prescribed delivery exists, the electronic tags may also confirmthat the guide tube is securely attached to the afterloader andapplicator (e.g., through the interfaces 226, 228 of guide tube 220),block 520. In one embodiment, the signal from the RFID tag disposed onthe applicator (e.g., RFID tag 232) may be relayed through the RFID tagdisposed on the guide tube (e.g., RFID tag 234) in order to reach theRFID tag disposed on the afterloader (e.g., RFID tag 230). Data may alsobe written and stored on the electronic tags to provide auditinformation for the device component, block 525. This may include, forexample, applicator identification number, manufacture date, usagecycle, sterilization periods, and other types of device tracking andidentification data.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram 600 of another method to track andidentify radioactive sources used with an afterloader, and in particularfor the uploading or downloading of a radioactive source from a sourcecontainer chamber (e.g., chamber 310) coupled to the afterloader. Forexample, in order to download a radioactive source from the afterloaderto a source container chamber, the correct path must be selected fromthe afterloader through the guide tube and into the source containerchamber, block 605. In one embodiment, the afterloader may includemultiple radioactive sources disposed within individual channels thatlead to ports for coupling to guide tubes, as well as multiple guidetubes coupled to the ports. A first end of a guide tube is coupled tothe afterloader and a second end of the guide tube is coupled to thesource container chamber, block 610. In one example for downloading aradioactive source, a determination may be made to deliver a radioactivesource through port #4 of the afterloader, through guide tube #4, andinto source container channel #4 of a multi-channel source containerchamber.

After the guide tube is coupled to the afterloader and source containerchamber, a controller disposed on the afterloader identifies signalsfrom electronic identification tags disposed on the afterloader, guidetube, and source container chamber to confirm that the correct path hasbeen established to send the radioactive source, block 615. For example,if the controller recognizes that guide tube #4 is coupled to port #7instead of guide tube #4, the controller may indicate to the operatorthat an incorrect coupling exists. As stated before, in one embodiment,afterloader controller automatically adjusts the program to take intoaccount the error. In one embodiment, the electronic identification tagsmay be RFID tags (e.g., tags 330, 332). In addition to verifying thatthe correct delivery path exists, the electronic tags may also confirmthat the guide tube is securely attached to the afterloader and sourcecontainer chamber (e.g., through the interfaces 326, 328 of guide tube320), block 620. In one embodiment, the signal from the RFID tagdisposed on the source container chamber may be relayed through the RFIDtag disposed on the guide tube in order to reach the RFID tag disposedon the afterloader. Data may be written and stored on the electronictags to provide audit information for the device component, block 625.This may include, for example, radioactive source serial number, sourceactivity, and calibration data.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made theretowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

1. A method, comprising: coupling a first end of a first guide tube to afirst housing for a first radioactive source and a second end of thefirst guide tube to a second housing for the first radioactive source toform a first coupling; identifying the first coupling of the first guidetube to both of the first housing and the second housing with electronictags disposed on the first guide tube, first housing, and second housingto communicate identification information, wherein the second housingcomprises a first multi-channel radioactive source applicator, andwherein identifying further comprises signaling information related to acoupling of a first channel of the first multi-channel radioactivesource applicator to the first guide tube, wherein the first housingcomprises a multi-port afterloader, and wherein identifying furthercomprises signaling information related to a coupling of a first port ofthe multi-port afterloader to the first guide tube.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein tags disposed on three of the first guide tube, firsthousing, and second housing communicate identification information witheach other.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic tagscomprise radio frequency identification devices, and wherein identifyingfurther comprises relaying identification information from theelectronic tag disposed on the second housing to the electronic tagdisposed on the first housing through the electronic tag disposed on thefirst guide tube.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein identifying furthercomprises confirming a secure attachment of the first guide tube to thefirst housing and the second housing.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinidentifying further comprises storing audit data on the radio frequencyidentification devices.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein identifyingcomprises: identifying the coupling of the first guide tube and thefirst and second housings as being incorrect for use as a radioactivesource delivery path in a prescribed plan; selecting the coupling of thefirst guide tube as the radioactive source delivery path for theprescribed plan after identifying the coupling as being incorrect forthe prescribed plan; and adjusting the prescribed plan to incorporatethe selected coupling of the first guide tube as a correct radioactivesource delivery path for the prescribed plan.
 7. The method of claim 6wherein identifying the coupling as being incorrect comprisesdetermining attachment of the first guide tube to one or more incorrectports on at least one port of the first and second housing.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising: selecting the first radioactivesource delivery path for the prescribed plan after identifying thecoupling as being incorrect for the prescribed plan; and adjusting theprescribed plan to incorporate the selected first delivery path as acorrect delivery path for the prescribed plan.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein identifying the first coupling further comprises signaling to acontroller of the first housing, information from an electronic tagdisposed on the first guide tube.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein theinformation signal from the first guide tube confirms a secureattachment of the first guide tube to the first housing.
 11. The methodof claim 1, wherein communicating identification information comprisescommunicating at least two of an applicator identification number, anapplicator manufacture date, an applicator usage cycle, and anapplicator sterilization period.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereincommunicating identification information comprises wirelesscommunication.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:identifying a second coupling of a second guide tube to both themulti-port afterloader and to a second multi-channel radioactive sourceapplicator with electronic tags disposed on the second guide tube, themulti-port afterloader, and the second multi-channel radioactive sourceapplicator to communicate identification information.
 14. A method,comprising: determining a first radioactive source delivery pathcomprising an afterloader, a first guide tube, and a first applicator;coupling the afterloader having a first electronic identification tag toa first end of the first guide tube and a second end of the first guidetube to the applicator having a second electronic identification tag,the first guide tube having a third electronic identification tag, thefirst, second, and third identification tags being operable tocommunicate with each other to confirm the determined first radioactivesource delivery path, wherein the afterloader comprises a plurality ofports, and wherein communicating further comprises identifying a firstport coupled to the first end of the first guide tube, wherein theapplicator comprises a plurality of channels to receive a radioactivesource, and wherein communicating further comprises identifying a firstchannel coupled to the second end of the first guide tube.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein coupling further comprises confirming asecure attachment of the first guide tube to the first applicator andthe afterloader.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first, second,and third electronic identification tags comprise a radio frequencyidentification device, and wherein coupling further comprisescommunicating a signal from the second electronic identification tag tothe first electronic identification tag through a relay with the thirdelectronic identification tag.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereincommunicating further comprises storing audit data on the radiofrequency identification devices.
 18. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising receiving at a controller of the afterloader, a signal fromthe second electronic identification tag confirming that the firstapplicator is coupled to the first guide tube, and a signal from thethird electronic identification tag confirming that the first guide tubeis coupled to the afterloader.
 19. The method of claim 14, whereincommunicating further comprises identifying the first radioactive sourcedelivery path as an incorrect path in a prescribed plan; selecting thefirst radioactive source delivery path for the prescribed plan afteridentifying the coupling as being incorrect for the prescribed plan; andadjusting the prescribed plan to incorporate the selected first deliverypath as a correct delivery path for the prescribed plan.
 20. The methodof claim 14, wherein communicating with each other comprises wirelesscommunication.
 21. The method of claim 14, further comprising:determining a second radioactive source delivery path comprising theafterloader, a second guide tube, and a second applicator; coupling theafterloader having a fourth electronic identification tag to a first endof the second guide tube and a second end of the second guide tube tothe second applicator having a fifth electronic identification tag, thesecond guide tube having a sixth electronic identification tag, thefourth, fifth, and sixth identification tags being operable tocommunicate with each other to confirm the determined second radioactivesource delivery path.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:receiving at a controller a signal from the fourth electronicidentification tag confirming that the second applicator is coupled tothe second guide tube, and a signal from the fifth electronicidentification tag confirming that the second guide tube is coupled tothe afterloader.
 23. A method, comprising: coupling a first end of afirst guide tube to a first housing for a first radioactive source and asecond end of the first guide tube to a second housing for the firstradioactive source to form a first coupling; identifying the firstcoupling of the first guide tube to both of the first housing and thesecond housing with electronic tags disposed on the first guide tube,first housing, and second housing to communicate identificationinformation, wherein the second housing comprises a first multi-channelradioactive source container chamber, and wherein identifying furthercomprises signaling information related to a coupling of a first channelof the first multi-channel radioactive source container chamber to thefirst guide tube, wherein the first housing comprises a multi-portafterloader, and wherein identifying further comprises signalinginformation related to a coupling of a first port of the multi-portafterloader to the first guide tube; and identifying a second couplingof a second guide tube to both the multi-port afterloader and to asecond multi-channel radioactive source container chamber withelectronic tags disposed on the second guide tube, the multi-portafterloader, and the second multi-channel radioactive source containerchamber to communicate identification information.